Report says school voucher changes cost state $16M

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INDIANAPOLIS - An Indiana Department of Education report shows changes to the state's private school voucher program are costing the state roughly $16 million.

The voucher report says that vouchers had been saving the state close to $4 million a year in the previous two school years. But changes that allowed some students already attending private schools to begin receiving state aid ended up costing the state more money.

But voucher supporter Jeff Spalding with the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice said flaws with cost calculation mask an actual savings of millions for the state.

Vouchers survived a legal challenge from the Indiana State Teachers Association and supporters have been seeking ways to expand the program incrementally each year. Opponents argue the program undercuts Indiana's public school system.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.